GREENSBORO, N.C., May 2006 – Tourists and residents interested in visiting the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington this summer will surely want to schedule a stop at Replacements, Ltd. in Greensboro, NC. The Replacements, Ltd. Museum will proudly host and display the ship’s official silver service for the next year, on loan by the “Battleship North Carolina” group. This ornate 100 piece set served officers on board the Armored Cruiser North Carolina from 1908-1920, the U.S.S. Raleigh from 1928-1930, and the Battleship North Carolina from 1941 until 1947. This stunning work of art is more than just a majestic symbol of this country's hard-earned naval victories during wartime. It is also a monument to the thousands of North Carolinians from each of the armed services who gave their lives in service to their country. The service was commissioned on August 15, 1907 by the North Carolina General Assembly for use on the original U.S.S. North Carolina. The order was placed with H. Mahler Silversmiths in Raleigh, NC, who, in turn, had the pieces manufactured by Dominick and Haff of New York. The unique set consists of five different sterling silver services for tea, water, wine, punch, and cigars. The punch bowl measures 21 inches in diameter, stands more than 2 1/2 feet tall, and has attached candelabras. Features include the North Carolina State Seal and intricate designs, such as silver “rope” trim, a scalloped fish motif, elaborate etchings, as well as unique touches such as eagles with outstretched wings. Soon after the ship’s decommissioning in 1947, it became state property and was used in the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion. Several pieces were lost over the years, including the wine carafe stoppers, a punch cup, a match holder, and the humidor. Today, the state of North Carolina is looking to find these items and has enlisted the help of Replacements, Ltd. in the search. For more information about Replacements, LTD. call 1-800-REPLACE (1-800-737-5223) or visit the website at
www.replacements.com. For more information about the Battleship North Carolina call (910) 251-5797.

About Replacements, Ltd.

Founded by Bob Page in 1981, Replacements, Ltd. carries the world’s largest selection of old and new china, crystal, silver, and collectibles. Their 425,000 square foot facilities house an inventory of over 250,000 patterns. Headquartered in Greensboro, NC, Replacements, Ltd. serves more than seven million customers worldwide.